Your Driving Lessons

The Tichborne Arms

Not as old as its thatched roof might suggest, for this village pub was built in the mid-20th century to replace its burnt-down predecessor. If the pub's name rings a bell, it's probably because of the famous 1870s trial of The Tichborne Claimant, a crooked East End butcher pretending to be heir to a local baronetcy, and the subject of a 1998 film, starring John Gielgud. Antiques, prints and other artefacts attractively clutter the rustically furnished, dried-hop-strung bar, so there's plenty to look at as you relax with a pint of Hop Back or Red Cat real ale, or JJ's SuEcider (sic). Owner-chef Patrick Roper's short daily menus may well feature fillet of sea bream with creamy prawn sauce; medallions of pork tenderloin with apple and cider sauce; and mushroom tagliatelle, as well as at least one vegetarian option. A beer festival takes place in the tree-shaded garden over the Summer Bank Holiday weekend in August.